Unofficial self-assessment · §20a/§20b AufenthG · as of 2026
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a job-seeker visa that lets qualified non-EU nationals enter Germany to look for work for up to 1 year — without needing a job offer first. There are two routes to qualify.
If your vocational or academic qualification is fully recognised in Germany, or you obtained it in Germany, you count as a skilled worker (Fachkraft) under §20a AufenthG. You can apply directly for the Skilled Worker visa — no points calculation required.
Score at least 6 points from the criteria below. Two gates must first pass: (G1) completed vocational training ≥2 years or an academic degree recognised in your country of origin; (G2) German ≥A1 or English ≥B2. Failing either gate means ineligibility regardless of points.
German language and work experience are each single-tier (highest applies, not cumulative).
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Partial recognition of foreign qualification (also waives Gate G1) | 4 |
| German language — single highest band: A2=1, B1=2, B2+=3 (A1=0; not cumulative) | up to 3 / حتى 3 |
| English C1+ or native (+1; stacks on German score) | +1 |
| Work experience — single tier: ≥5 yrs in last 7 yrs=3 pts (§20b(1) No.6); ≥2 yrs in last 5 yrs=2 pts; not cumulative | 2 or 3 / 2 أو 3 |
| Shortage occupation (Federal Employment Agency list) | 1 |
| Age: ≤35 = 2 pts; 36–40 = 1 pt; >40 = 0 pts | up to 2 / حتى 2 |
| Prior legal + continuous residence in Germany ≥6 months in last 5 years (study/language/work — not tourism) | 1 |
| Spouse/registered partner who also qualifies, co-applies at same German mission | 1 |
You must demonstrate €1,091 per month (€13,092 per year) via: a blocked account, 3-month bank statements, a Verpflichtungserklärung (sponsor declaration), or a part-time contract (≤20 h/week). This amount is updated annually — verify the current figure on make-it-in-germany.com.
Part-time work up to 20 hours/week. Two-week trial jobs (one per employer) to explore the labour market. No full-time employment. Card duration: up to 1 year.
Adjust the fields below — the verdict updates instantly. This is an unofficial tool; the binding calculator is on digital.diplo.de.
You do not yet meet the Opportunity Card requirements. Gate G2 requires German ≥A1 OR English ≥B2. This is an unofficial self-assessment — the binding calculator is on digital.diplo.de.
| Partial recognition of foreign qualification (§20b(1) sentence 2) | 0 |
| German language: A1 or none (0 pts — A1 is the language gate floor, not a scoring tier) | 0 |
| English: below C1 (0 pts — B2 satisfies the language gate but does not score) | 0 |
| Work experience: less than 2 relevant years (0 pts) | 0 |
| Occupation on the Federal Employment Agency shortage list (1 pt) | 0 |
| Age 30: ≤35 (2 pts) | +2 |
| Prior legal + continuous residence in Germany ≥6 months in last 5 years (study/language/work only — not tourism) (1 pt) | 0 |
| Spouse/registered partner who also qualifies and co-applies at same German mission (1 pt) | 0 |
This is an unofficial self-assessment only. Point values and the 6-point threshold are set by §20b(3) ordinance and can change — figures here are as of 2026. The binding official calculator is on digital.diplo.de.
The €1,091/month proof-of-funds figure is updated annually by the Federal Government — verify the current amount on make-it-in-germany.com before applying.